Terms of engagement.

Note: These are starting draft terms. The cancellation policy, payment processors and other specifics should be reviewed and confirmed by Andrew before the site goes live.

About these terms

These are the standard terms of working together. When you book a session at Thrive Counselling Centre, you’re agreeing to them. We’ll also go through the key points verbally before your first session and put a copy of the full therapy contract in your hand at session one.

Sessions

• Length: individual sessions are 50 minutes; couples sessions are 60 minutes.
• Frequency: weekly is recommended, especially at the start. Fortnightly may be appropriate later in the work, by agreement.
• Format: in-person in Central Milton Keynes, or online via secure video. You can move between formats as needed.
• Punctuality: if you arrive late, the session still ends at the scheduled time. The full fee applies.

Fees & payment

• Individual sessions: £55. Couples sessions: £75. Trainee counsellors (online only): £45. Initial 15-minute consultation: free.
• Payment is made before each session by bank transfer.
• Any future fee changes will be communicated in writing in advance.

Cancellation

• More than 48 hours’ notice: no charge, and we’ll reschedule if you’d like to.
• Less than 48 hours: the full session fee applies, regardless of reason.
• If I need to cancel a session, I’ll always offer a make-up slot in the same week where possible. You won’t be charged.
• If you miss two sessions in a row without contact, I’ll reach out, but I may release your regular slot.

Confidentiality

Everything you share is treated as confidential, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. The exceptions are:

• If there’s a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or to someone else.
• If disclosure is required by law (e.g. terrorism, money laundering, court order).
• If safeguarding concerns arise about a child or vulnerable adult.

Where possible, any disclosure would be discussed with you first. Clinical supervision (a professional requirement) also involves discussing your work in anonymised form with a senior practitioner, this is normal, ethical, and confidential.

Records

I keep brief, secure clinical notes after each session, a professional and ethical requirement. Notes are stored on encrypted UK-based systems. You have the right to request a copy of your records at any time.

Contact between sessions

• Practical communication (rescheduling, payment, brief check-ins) is welcome by email or text.
• I aim to respond as quickly as possible, usually within one working day.
• The work itself happens in sessions, not over message. If something feels urgent between sessions, I’ll always try to find time.
• I do not offer crisis or out-of-hours support. In a crisis: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7) or 999.

Endings

You can end therapy at any time. I’d encourage at least one final session where possible, endings, done well, are part of the work. If I felt unable to continue (rare), I’d discuss it openly, and offer onward referrals where appropriate.

Code of ethics

I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and bound by their Ethical Framework. If at any point you feel something has gone wrong, please raise it with me first, I’d want to know. If we can’t resolve it, BACP has a formal complaints process.

Limitations

Counselling is not a medical service, an emergency service, or a substitute for psychiatric care. If your needs sit outside what I can responsibly support, for example, acute crisis, severe self-harm, or active substance dependence, I’ll discuss this with you honestly and help you find more suitable support.

Changes

These terms may be updated occasionally. The “last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be communicated to current clients in writing.

Contact

Questions about these terms, or anything else, are welcome. Email info@thrivecounsellingcentre.com.